Brown Books

Out of the 53 or so Catherine Cookson novels I have read, this was my favorite! It's long and covers about 5 generations, but Cookson weaves the characters together in a most intiguing way.

Katie Mulholland is full of love, hope, poverty, tragedy, and most of all courageous triumph.

The novel's rags-to-riches story of Katie's remarkable life has something for every reader, and should amaze, enrage and delight any Catherine Cookson fan, from page one.

This well crafted novel by a master storyteller weaves the spellbinding tale of beautiful Katie Mulholland, who began life as the daughter of a miner. The life of a miner in class conscious, mid nineteenth century England was fraught with poverty, and Katie was forced to go into service at a tender age in order to help her family. Her story begins in 1860 which, at the age of fifteen, finds her working long, hard hours in a manor house, as a scullery maid for the Rosier family, who are members of the local gentry and owners of the mine for which her father works.

Due to her beauty she, unfortunately, catches the eye of her employer's handsome and evil son, Bernard Rosier, the heir to the Rosier Mining Company. All, however, goes well, until one night Bernard decides to slake his lust upon the unwilling and shocked Katie. It would be the beginning of a hateful obsession with Katie that would cast a long shadow and haunt both their lives.

Bernard's unspeakable act is the catalyst for a series of events, some quite shocking, that would ultimately have far reaching impact on the entire Mulholland family. Heavy with child, Katie is dismissed by her employer and gulled into a loveless marriage with William Bunting, the manager of the Rosier mines. Katie gives birth to a daughter, whom she names Sarah. After the birth, Bunting's cruelty to Katie goes into full swing. A murder, which would release her from the bonds of marriage, soon follows. This event, however, leads to a travesty of justice that would take the life of one near and dear to Katie.

With her remaining family, Katie leaves for greener pastures and begins what is to be a long and hard odyssey to a better life. What happens along life's path to Katie and those whom she loves and love her makes for a riveting story. It is a tale of great sorrow, hope, love, hatred, betrayal, and, ultimately, redemption. What happens to Katie and her progeny is a rags to riches story that will keep the reader turning the pages into the wee hours of the night.

I read Katie Mulholland many years ago.It was my first Catherine Cookson novel. I still have my original paperback, which I have loaned out to many people over the years. It is quite worn and torn. I had thought that I would never find another.(Her old books are not easy to come by). I was so glad to find this one.I have read many of her books,and now thanks to Amazon.com, I will be able to re-read them. I am truly grateful to your wonderful company.

This well crafted novel by a master storyteller weaves the spellbinding tale of beautiful Katie Mulholland, who began life as the daughter of a miner. The life of a miner in class conscious, mid nineteenth century England was fraught with poverty, and Katie was forced to go into service at a tender age in order to help her family. Her story begins in 1860 which, at the age of fifteen, finds her working long, hard hours in a manor house, as a scullery maid for the Rosier family, who are members of the local gentry and owners of the mine for which her father works.

Due to her beauty she, unfortunately, catches the eye of her employer's handsome and evil son, Bernard Rosier, the heir to the Rosier Mining Company. All, however, goes well, until one night Bernard decides to slake his lust upon the unwilling and shocked Katie. It would be the beginning of a hateful obsession with Katie that would cast a long shadow and haunt both their lives.

Bernard's unspeakable act is the catalyst for a series of events, some quite shocking, that would ultimately have far reaching impact on the entire Mulholland family. Heavy with child, Katie is dismissed by her employer and gulled into a loveless marriage with William Bunting, the manager of the Rosier mines. Katie gives birth to a daughter, whom she names Sarah. After the birth, Bunting's cruelty to Katie goes into full swing. A murder, which would release her from the bonds of marriage, soon follows. This event, however, leads to a travesty of justice that would take the life of one near and dear to Katie.

With her remaining family, Katie leaves for greener pastures and begins what is to be a long and hard odyssey to a better life. What happens along life's path to Katie and those whom she loves and love her makes for a riveting story. It is a tale of great sorrow, hope, love, hatred, betrayal, and, ultimately, redemption. What happens to Katie and her progeny is a rags to riches story that will keep the reader turning the pages into the wee hours of the night.

If you have a Basset-or just love Basset Hounds- or Opus-- this is the cutest book! get it!

I am one of those father's who truly enjoys reading to his son, but every now and then I prefer to read a story which is as entertaining for me, as for my child. If you enjoy reading, but ocassionally want to read something well written, a little on the edge, and with great moral value. This author's children stories are a great change of pace, with a rhyming gate that works for all. This story, along with "Edward Fudwupper Fibbed Big" and "A Wish for Wings that Work", will forever be fond memories of stories read many times, with my favorite little man. Happy reading!

A true classic and a rowdy read for youngsters. My children loved this rollicking tale of the mythical beastie. You don't have to be an Opus fan to love this one.

I was a big Bloom County fan [back in the day]and got to know Opus and Bill the Cat from there. I finally got this book and am very pleased with it. It is classic Opus -love the Basselope too. I find it a sweet story that my kids will enjoy while still entertaining the Bloom County fan in me.

Opus is hunting for the world's last basselope, a creature so fierce, so mean, that in olden times "the mere sight of one of them in a dinosaur neighborhood would inspire ripsnorting dinosaur pandemonium lasting for weeks." This is a story of misunderstanding and discovery. If you remember Opus and Bloom County and the basselope, Rosebud, this is for you. It will takes you back twenty years. Breathed does a fantastic job with the artwork, and the story is exquisite, too. On it's surface it is just a fun book to read together and laugh out loud. Without too much of a stretch, you can teach kids about what happens when creatures misunderstand each other.

the only thing i knows that lewis is more than all boxers ever because he was noncomparable in any ways atall.we all can imagine it that those loosed he had was underrated opponet which's clear to everyones in the whole world.
My adivise to mr Lewis is that shld not allow any one to cause enemity betwen he and Our Mnager (Mr Ogun)and not to disorganised his team ok.
I'm from Ghana and love to be seen him fight always i had been in his Fans since 1992 and love him naturally.
that's all for now Regards Alpha Atibay

This book was a great picture book. Lennox is a sexy, sensitive, and loving man.

I've always liked Lennox Lewis, the man is intelligent & always carries himself with class. And lets not forget how great a boxer he was. This is a nice item to own if you're into Lennox, this girl I was with knew this & bought it as a birthday or christmas present for me (I forget which one), and I was very pleased. Its a hefty piece, a coffee table dweller all in black & white and which basically takes you through the 1999-2001 period with a selection of pictures and interviews.

The book itself is large and nice looking. The photography is more of an artistic nature than run-of-the-mill sports coverage. There are some awesome action shots of Lennox at work versus Evander Holyfield, Michael Grant, and Frans Botha, but far more of Lennox in his past times, playing ball & chess, hangin' in Jamaica and some great material of him in Africa. the girl who follows his camp around and provides the words has a nice style of her own and asks Lennox some interesting stuff. Lennox clowns around a bit & we finally get a glimpse of his real character.

I can't criticise this book, although I did wonder why there were no shots of Lennoxs convincing points win over David Tua from 2000? (A GREAT performance) And bigger & better shots of Lennoxs crushing revenge kayo of Hasim Rachman woulda been cool, and if he'd have waited around a few months longer before realeasing this book we could even had some shots of him waxing Tyson. However all in all this really isn't the overall vibe of the book. The book is a journey through a period of time with the Lewis camp & represented with awesome photography work. Overall a very attractive and lovingly created work & a real nice companion for any fan of Lennox Lewis.

I was very pleased with this purchase and I highly recommend this book to ALL fans of Lennox Lewis. You cannot be disappointed. The photographer, Blaise Hart intelligently and poetically captures various scenes of Lewis's life with the passion of a Rembrandt or Gauguin painting. The compilation of black and white photos not only illuminates and magnifies the intensity of Lennox Lewis's brilliance and presence in the boxing ring but also reveals the sensitivity, charisma and spiritual strength of a man who irrefutably has earned the title of legend and hero. He is a Renaissance man and the quintessential, modern "knight in shining armor." He exudes athletic skill, prowess and power but has the corruscating wit and intellect of a consummate gentleman - a rare breed indeed. He commands respect and is the epitome of velvet-covered steel. I also own "Lennox Lewis - the Autobiography of the WBC Heavyweight Champion of the World with Joe Steeples" which I also highly recommend to ALL Lennox Lewis fans because it provides an even more in-depth, detailed account of his heritage, his childhood and the influential forces which led him into the arena of boxing which would be of interest to any true fan. This book, however should not be overlooked and ignored. If the stunning photos of Lennox Lewis in the ring during heavyweight bouts do not impress you then you will be relieved to discover the photos of Lewis at ease in rural Africa, deliberating in solitude and playing chess which you will be sure to appreciate immensely as I did. You will also read insightful interviews with Lennox Lewis scattered between the presentation of photos which are not only candid but very entertaining. Do not pass this book up. You will regret it if you do. Then again - ignorance is bliss but thank God I chose to not be ignorant here! Lennox Lewis is truly an inspiration to us all.

i was very pleased with this book! i read it in one sitting. the pictures captured both the down to earth and gentle side of this fine gentleman. the only reservation i have is that the book didn't delve deep enough into his personal life. it seems that the author painstakingly avoided it. but the pictures somehow compensated for this. i would recommend this book to any and all who are admirers(most of them female, probably) of this incredible man. you won't be disappointed!

Howard Blackburn accomplished a feat of endurance and spirit that equals any. This is a well told tale of the man who froze his hands to the oars of his dory to row 100 miles in January off Newfoundland. Gripping and substantial, this book stays with you.

It would be too easy to simply say that Howard Blackburn rose above his adversity. I should like to have known more about, or even known him - fisherman, retailer, sailor and philanthropist - here is a man of legend among men of iron. Howard's tale is marvelous; a testament to the pioneers and explorers who follow their restless dreams without compromise. Lone Voyager is a fascinating and enlightening look into the industry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the men who fought long odds and the compelling draw of a man possessed of his visions.

Though I live in Gloucester and have spent a good many evenings in Howard Blackburn's establishment with his pictures and newspaper articles hanging on the walls, I only recently discovered this book. What a wonderful adventure! The first chapter, which tells the story of the fishing trip during which Blackburn lost his fingers and toes, sets the stage well for the rest of the adventure. And what an adventure it is! Here in Gloucester they talk of the days of "iron men in wooden ships" and Blackburn was the toughest and most indomitable of all those iron men. After surviving the trip that opens the book, he goes on to start his famous tavern in Gloucester, cross the Atlantic twice on his own, sail around Cape Horn and up the Pacific Coast bound for the Klondike, and undertake a perfectly fascinating trip up the Hudson River, through the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes and down the Mississippi.

Because I wrote a book based in the seafaring history of Lake Erie I was particularly gratified to read that Blackburn wrote that of all the waters he ever crossed he considered Lake Erie to have been the worst --- even worse than the Grand Banks in the Atlantic.

Author Joe Garland is well known both as a historian and a sailor and both those skills are well used in the telling of this tale. This is an extraordinary story of an extraordinary man told by an extraordinary writer. What more does a reader want?

I found an old copy of this book and read it a year ago. An incredible true story. I`m glad to see that it is available in paperpback again.

Howard Blackburn was one cool dude! I mean the guy gets caught away from the mother ship and rows for 5 days to live but it costs him all his fingers and that's just the first two chapters! You've got him going off to the Yukon on a gold rush jaunt, a couple of single handed trips across the Atlantic. A circumnavigation of the Eastern US via the Great Lakes and the Misissippi River and around Florida. He just won't quit.

Anyway I bought the book because of the stories about dories, and was hooked by all the other adventures as well.

BTW there is a rowing race of 22 miles in open Atlantic called the "Blackburn Challange" The folks of Glouster loved him.

I picked this book up by chance, while browsing my local library. I found this book to be highly informative and interesting. I am very uneducated regarding the cold war and I know little about the history of any countries besides the United States.

This book paints a distinct and painful picture of life on the run.

What I never realized was just how many refugees there are. All over the world people are forced to give up everything they know, everything they have worked for, everything they have grown accustomed to. That is unless all of there possessions are destroyed before they can willingly leaving them behind.

This book shows how any major change in thinking or political structure can affect millions and millions of people.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in human beings.

... as we are sometimes so fortunate
to stumble upon. Handily makes you stop, think,
reevaluate self and everything around you.
Only criticism: too short.
I want more.

Simply stated, I was profoundly affected by this book and will never look at the world the same way again.

Everyone should read it, maybe the Earth would become a better place.

If I made a list of books everyone should read, this one would right now be number one. Everything that has happened in the last 10,11 years since the breakup of the Soviet Union, is in here- East Germany, Liberia, Somalia, Rwanda, Bosnia- each story told in the context of the lives of one or a few people, which makes these stories so vivid and real. You'll remember the newspaper headlines, and the stories, but in this book it's like you are experiencing it all for the first time, and personally. Fritz is a terrific writer, I promise you won't be bored. Finally it has very special meaning for Americans. Fritz keeps referring to us a s "the world's only superpower", a concept that hasn't really sunk in for most of us, or most of our "leaders" either. So we really need to do a lot of heavy thinking about what we do, how we act, in fulfilling this historicaly unique role. Buy it!

Fritz' repertorial skill and novelistic approach make a less-than-palatable subject read like a gripping detective novel.

His eye for detail and empathy with the people - and the voices - of those tortured souls literally "Lost On Earth" make this book an invaluable document for our fragmented times.

This is definately one of the best Maisy books my 19 month-old owns. (Or should I say, I own-since I love them all!!) Great colors, and great pulls/pop-ups. My son loves to say "Shhhh" on the last page as Maisy is going to bed.

Maisy is on the way to bed. She has to do a few things before she can snuggle under her covers. Follow Maisy as she gets a drink, uses the potty, washes her hands, brushes her teeth, puts on her pajamas, reads a story, and goes to sleep.

Flaps and tabs on each page make each step fun and interactive for young children. Day turns to night in a window, the toilet flushes and toilet paper pulls out, Maisy brushes her teeth, and her storybook has several pages that children can see.

Ever the gentle, sweet mouse, Maisy is a beloved friend children love to see. The tabs and flaps add to the fun, although children who haven't mastered fine motor skills are likely to experience a little frustration when tabs don't work right or flaps pop off. The toilet seat flap popped off the page while my young daughter played with it. I anticipate an easy fix with the help of our gooey friend "Elmer."

For children who love Maisy and flap/tab books, MAISY GOES TO BED is a definite winner.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
10/20/2006

I'm on the third copy of this book - the first two were eaten alive by my children. :)

This is a very cute, sweet book to read at bedtime. All about a little girl mouse & her bedtime preparations.

If you are the parent of a young child, you probably know who Maisy is. She's a mouse with a duck, a squirrel, an elephant, and a crocodile for friends. Why the crocodile isn't trying to eat the others is beyond me, but that's life in Maisy's world.

Both of my daughters love the Maisy books; there's something about their simple stories and colorful pictures that even appeals to adults. The books are short and easy to read. But, the stories are never obnoxiously simplistic, like so many other books for small children.

This is a lift the flap book in which the childen are lifting flaps as Maisy prepares for bed. Believe it or not, this book helped convince one of my daughters to brush her teeth, which is frquently a battle in our house. This is one of the most fun Maisy books to read to your children. One caution, the kids might get a little aggressive with the flaps and tear a few, resulting in the purchase of a new lift the flap book (in our current copy, Maisy's tooth brush has bit the dust).

This is a fast moving novel about a struggling but talented New York-oriented black male writer whose life struggles have become a roller coaster ride through American, European and global racism. The axis of the novel revolves around how America deals with the race issue, and in particular how it deals with the issue of black male on white female sexual encounters.

The story is told through the eyes of a character called Max Reddick, a slightly hip, emerging intellectual, who wants to write like Charley Parker plays the Sax, but yet he is still a very much struggling black writer. Max seems to have as his number one goal in life that of decoding the game being played against blacks by the white man. Or maybe (and the novel leaves this up to the reader) this goal is just a normal by-product of being a black man in a white man's world. Very quickly Max realizes that "politics white boy-style" is just another way white people try to lead black people back to their proper "place" in society: in effect telling them through indirection how to think, feel, and when and how to act, and even how to suffer.

Max travels to Europe where he ends up in a select intellectual circle, that very much respects his manuscript, and where he eventually marries and later divorces a Danish woman who remained his friend even long after the marriage has ended, and who takes care of him at the end of the novel as he dies of cancer.

At the meta-psychological level, the novel proves Ishmael Reed's postulate: that writing, "is fighting and struggling by other more respectable means," as Williams gets to use his pen as his last, and most profound act of rebellion. The book thus is as Walter Mosley has described it as "a shout from deep within some existential void" that resonates on the same frequency of all struggling blacks: suspended invisible in a world that rejects blackness without the need for a cause or a reason, where "Black people have been hollering out in pain for centuries, fighting for freedom, dying in slavery, belittled by little [white] men, and denied by kings and history. Sometimes these black folk have just laid down and died. But mostly they have survived with deformed psyches and distorted notions of the world. Sometimes evil has begotten evil and the one-time slave has slaughtered and even cannibalized his oppressor."

As his personal life spins out of control and he contracts cancer, Max puts down on paper in a scatological way, what everyone else in everyday American society is thinking but cannot say aloud, and in this respect, William's novel is not only a shout from the void, but also a supremely iconoclastic and urgent psychological analysis not unlike Dostoyevsky.

While its organization is structurally very scattered, it still gets its message across. Clearly the novel has a deep existentialist basis and draws on existential themes and metaphors. However, at its core is the notion that at the end of the day, when everything is said and done, the only thing "real" in American society is white racism. Everything else its humanity, its values, its ideals, are subordinate and are carefully calibrated and measured in terms of how they affect the sensitively regulated "white supremacist status quo." According to Max's way of thinking, equality, freedom, and democracy are merely the chips used to move the pieces around the white supremacist chessboard. America and all of its "so-called" ideals are just byproducts of the hard core white supremacist ideology, which lies deep in the nation's bosom. Toward the end of the novel, Max leaves no doubt that "the man" will go to great lengths to protect his white male hero system--including the complete annihilation of the black race if necessary. Max thinks blacks are up to the task, able to match whites, evil for evil to the bitter end. [I, for one, think he is wrong in this regard.]

The book is sprinkled with deeply troubling characters and scenes that reflect Max's deteriorating state of mind, such as the following passage about Moses Boatwright, a Black cannibal and Rhodes scholar, who, after being run mad by racism, killed a white man and ate him. In a mock interview, Boatwright tells Max (acting as a reporter) that: "This world is an illusion, Mr. Reddick, but it can be real. I went prowling on the jungle side of the road where few people ever go because there are things there, crawling, slimy, terrible things that always remind us that down deep we are rotten, stinking beasts. Now, because of what I did, someone will work a little harder to improve the species." (page 53).

The book is filled with images such as this one that have both over and under tones that are frightening in their symbolic implications. This is deep, modern, intense writing. Fifty stars.

This book I happen to stumble on while looking for another book here on Amazon. Wow what a great read! Absoloutley well written and eloquent. A must read for all.

There is this book and Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison that have proven to be one of the best examples of African American writing during the turbulent Civil Rights Era which really hasn't ended. This novel is frequently compared to Invisible Man as the main character Max Riddick goes through a journey, an evolution and recalls his life in flashbacks, goes through a expatriate American phase going to Europe in hopes of finding a better audience for his writing only to find that the same kind of racism he encountered in the States only less blatant. His motivation goes from trying to best his rival Harry Ames, to phsyical survival, to trying to find a resolution to his own issues with a society that objectives him and his experience being a black man in America.

I first read this book in 1968, as Cleveland burned and after a copy boy on my paper had asked me about a U.S. plan to imprison blacks in concentration camps. I told the kid he was nuts.
After reading the book, however, I realized that Williams was fictionalizing the McCarran Act, which set up the very scheme the kid was worrying about.
That law is still on the books.

A neglected classic by a writer who some consider equal to Ralph Ellison in importance. One fascinating aspect is its fictionalized treatment of some of the century's famous black literary figures. It's a portrait of the post-WWII-through-mid-sixties period as seen through the eyes of a black writer as he establishes a career as a novelist, journalist, and Presidential speechwriter in New York, Paris, Washington, D.C., and Lagos, Nigeria. The main character, Max Reddick, is shaped by anger, at the crux of which is indignation at the hypocrisy and hostility that black people and writers faced during this period. It's a historical novel which provides some insight into the social and political ferment of the sixties, and has an Afrocentric perspective that's somewhat reminiscent of Walter Mosley's work. It includes an intruiging fictionalized version of a mythic encounter between Richard Wright and James Baldwin ("Marion Dawes") in a Paris café, and according to James Sallis's biography of Chester Himes, it describes the essence of Wright's expatriate experience and his relationship with Himes. Ishmael Reed has said that the cartoonist Ollie Harrington is depicted, and although I didn't recognize him, Malcolm X is unmistakable and I suspect that "Time" Curry is modelled after jazz drummer Kenny Clarke, who was living in Paris at the time. According to the author's biography of Richard Pryor, Motown explored the possibility of buying the film rights to the novel as a vehicle for its star, Marvin Gaye, until the idea was abandoned in favor of Lady Sings the Blues.

The story begins near the end as Max, who's dying of cancer, sits at an outdoor café in Amsterdam where he's come to investigate the mystery of the death of his friend, Harry Ames, "the father of black writers," a few days earlier in Paris. What he eventually discovers is mind-blowing.

Throughout the novel, Max opines on a multitude of subjects like: Marxism, African independence and African attitudes towards Americans, sexuality and interracial relationships (he works past some of his homophobia too), the different styles of reporters from 5 major NYC newspapers, the theory of the rich president and other political theories, the "lie" of Christmas ("the rich man's chance to dissipate the image of Scrooge"), American cars (with their "long, buttock-smooth lines"), existentialism, and Alban Berg's atonal opera, "Wozzeck" (whose climax, a child's scream, punctuates Max's argument with his woman). Max interprets bebop's message as, "we can not be contained," and modern jazz becomes the avatar of his literary aesthetic: "He wanted to do with the novel what Charlie Parker was doing to music -- tearing it up and remaking it; basing it on nasty, nasty blues and overlaying it with the deep overriding tragedy not of Dostoevsky, but an American who knew of consequences to come: Herman Melville, a super Confidence Man, a Benito Cereno saddened beyond death."

I used this book on a recent trip to Yosemite. It is brief telling you just what you need to know. The advice was excellent. It reminds me of Rick Steves books for Europe but not quite as good. I would recommend this book to anyone going to Yosemite. I'll be looking for other Moon Handbooks for other American destinations now.

Found this book to be very accurate. A must for a last minute traveller like myself. I went in the height of the summer with no accomodation secured which was a bit worrisome but had intended to hit up the "first come, first serve campsites". When we arrived at Yosemite, we first went to the visitor centre who proceeded to tell us that only 2 campsites had availability, neither of which were where we wanted to stay. We decided to try a different campsite which was highlighted in the book and it was only 1/2 full at 1pm (although later filled up). If we didn't have the book, we would have been crammed in a less desirable site. Furthermore, the person serving us at the information centre did not appear to have seen alot of Yosemite and could not give us personal experiences. The guide book was valuable in this regard as the author clearly has spent a substantial amount of time in Yosemite. This is the book I would definately recommend to future travellers going to Yosemite National Park.

Before I visit a national park I go to the library for a pile of books to help me plan my trip. With a visit to Yosemite in mind I did just that and came home with a very nice collection including "100 Hikes...", "The Rough Guide to Yosemite" and Ann Marie Brown's "Yosemite" guide. While all of these books have great content, Ann's was far and away the most approachable and the one I bought to dog ear and write copious notes in without guilt. I'm so glad I did.

The book is well-indexed making it super easy to find what you need, the maps are great and the descriptions of the surrounding area are a bonus. Ann provides readers with well-thought out itineraries geared toward meeting your needs based on how much time you have to visit the park (from a day to a week) and your primary interests (from hiking to bagging waterfall pix). She also supplies solid advice regarding what to do if your on your own or travelling with a family.

Clearly Ann knows what she's writing about. Her first hand experience will help you find the motivation you need to get out of the car (or off of the bus) and on to the trails to drink in the beautiful and wonderful place that is Yosemite.

I bought this book based on the opinions of the previous reviewers. They were absolutely right. I spent 2 days at Yosemite and due to the massive size of the park (1,200 square miles) it would have been impossible for me to get a good tour of Yosemite without this guidebook. I found this book quite useful, from reading about the geology/history of the area, lodging to descriptions of the intensity of the hikes. The book also provides some helpful traveling tips as well suggestions for additional reading. It's a very comprehensive guide.

Moon Travel Books presents a spectacular and thoroughly updated, 256 page, second edition on Yosemite National Park. Beginning with 10 pages of color coded maps of Yosemite and a breathtaking color photo of Yosemite Falls, Yosemite packs a plethora of detailed information into an organized, easily accessible format. The first five chapters cover Yosemite Valley, Wawona and Glacier Point, Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy, and the Eastern Sierra, including Lee Vining, Mono Lake and North, and June Lake and Mammoth Lake. Each of these chapters is divided into sections on exploring and recreation. The final four chapters are about Lodging, Camping, Dining, and Knowing Yosemite. There is a vast list of suggested reading and several pages of internet resources, in addition to tips for travelers, notes on the history of Yosemite and its place names, and much useful and specific information on the flora and fauna of Yosemite National Park. Specific information bytes or special tips are highlighted and blocked to set them off for the eye of the reader. If your plans include a trip to Yosemite, Yosemite is a "must buy" travel guide. Even if you just want to learn more about Yosemite and indulge in some armchair dreaming of travels in Yosemite, this is a great resource, guidebook and dreamweaver.

At 2 years old, my daughter has learned all the words to this song because of this book. She loves it! Her favorite page is "when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad". It captivates her attention for the whole song. It's a keeper!

My 6 yr old daughter loves this book! Even with my terrible singing, she loves the song, the words and the wonderful illustrations.

This was my favorite song when I was a little girl so when I saw this book, I knew I had to have it! It has now become my 5 year old daughter's favorite book and she asks (or should I say demands) me to read it to her every night. She knows all the words and sings along as we look at the beautifully illustrated pictures. This book even has the sheet music at the back of the book! I highly recommend purchasing this item.

I'm an infant/toddler childcare teacher. My Favorite Things, is a beautifully illustrated book. It captures the wonder and sweetness of one of the best songs in the move, "The Sound of Music". I sing this book to my little ones. It captures their attention better than reading it.

Illustrations are like soft memories and evoke warm thoughts of childhood and this song. I believe this book works VERY well for young and older children. I love the sublty of imagery in clouds at end of book when children are staring up at sky imagining "favorite things". Both my two and 4 year old can sing this song now. Words and music are included in back to make this a BONUS for anyone musically inclined. A must have for anyone who likes the song!

I have been using this entire series with my son since he was born, and he is now 14 months. He loves the pictures and turning the pages. The books use the format of one word per page and it gives both the English and Spanish form of the word. This is a great series for early language acquisition.

This one is by far the best out of this series. I don't know who enjoys these books the most, my 10-month old son or my husband who is learning Spanish. The beautiful graphics in all the books in this series keep them both engaged. After he outgrows these books, we are looking forward to utilizing them as a resource for art projects. This particular book contains no errors per se, but keep in mind that the Spanish language is very rich, and there are different words (used in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America) that mean the same thing.

Whether you're introducing Spanish to your child, or wanting a nice review, this book is GREAT because of the bright, simple pictures, its sturdiness, and its perfect size for younger children through upper elementary.

I pull out this book when I need another way to drill numbers in my Spanish classes. It goes great with the numbers lesson in the workbook Flip Flop Spanish!

A enjoy looking at this book just as much as my children do. I am a mother of 4 and a preschool teacher. The colors in this book are simple and bold. It is a great resource for teaching Spanish/English and numbers in the classroom. I like the fact that the Spanish words are not the simplest choices. It challenges the Spanish learner in me. I use this book with pre-schoolers mainly 2 year olds. It is easily adaptable to the older classroom learning Spanish.

MY NUMBERS/MIS NUMEROS is a simple, fun book. There are two pages for the numbers one through ten. The first page shows the number, with the name of the number in English and Spanish. On the facing page is a picture, with as many instances of that object as go with the number.

The illustrations in MY NUMBERS/MIS NUMEROS are spectacular. They look as if they were made using cutouts of construction paper, and combine overall simplicity with some fascinating detail. For example, for the number one the illustration is of a salamander with little round ends to his toes. My son puts his finger out and traces over the shapes with fascination. Each of the ten illustrations is excellent.

My 10-month old son loves MY NUMBERS/MIS NUMEROS. It is one that he will pull out of the book basket and look at at on his own. A good friend of mine, an artists and former teacher, loves it. Her 2 year old son also enjoyed reading this book, enough that we read it over and over when I recently babysat him. I am also enjoying MY NUMBERS/MIS NUMEROS as a way to brush up on a bit of my Spanish.

The vocabulary: 1 salamander, 2 leaves, 3 strawberries, 4 hearts, 5 carrots, 6 snakes, 7 stars, 8 bumblebees, 9 ladybugs, and 10 butterflies.